Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece

Showcase the fall harvest with this easy pumpkin centerpiece that can be used as a Halloween table decoration or Thanksgiving centerpiece

Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece

Make festive veggies the center of attention.

A trip to the garden, farm market or grocery store yields the ingredients for this delicious-looking fall bouquet.

"I used a pumpkin for a vase and carved veggie flowers to create a centerpiece befitting the season," says Kellie Curtis of Fort Collins, CO. "Don't be afraid to be creative and substitute your favorite produce."

This harvest artist is the mother of six and considers projects like this relaxing. "Besides," Kellie adds. "It can be fun to show your kids it's sometimes all right to play with your food."

Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece

6 radishes

4 green onions

1 medium pumpkin (about 8 in. in diameter)

1/2 medium head cabbage

1 small cucumber

6 fresh cauliflowerets

6 fresh broccoli florets

2 medium carrots, cut into 1-1/2-in. lengths

8 fresh green beans

6 cherry tomatoes

6 fresh asparagus spears

Wooden skewers

Toothpicks

Fresh parsley sprigs

1. Trim both ends of each radish. With a sharp knife, cut radishes into roses. Cut white portions of onions into 1-1/2-in. lengths; set aside green portions of onions for flower stems.

2. Cut white portions into thin strips, leaving one end intact. Place in a bowl of ice water; add radishes. Refrigerate until radishes open and onions are curled, about 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, cut top off of pumpkin; scoop out and discard seeds. Place cabbage half in pumpkin, flat side down, for base.

5. With a sharp knife, cut carrots into flower shapes. Thread green beans and reserved green onion portions onto skewers. Top with carrot flowers and tomatoes. Insert into base. With toothpicks, attach the asparagus to base. Fill in around inside edge of pumpkin with parsley sprigs.